Masi. All those opposed, please stand. All those abstaining, please stand. The results of the recorded vote: 14 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.
---Carried
Bill 53 has had its third reading. Third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain that the honourable Commissioner of the Northwest Territories is ready to enter the Chamber to assent to bills?
[English translation not provided.] Colleagues, I would like to extend the appreciation of this House to the Commissioner, Margaret M. Thom. It was a pleasure to have her in the House today.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all the hard work that you have pursued and the dedication to this House and to all the people whom we represent.
During the past six weeks, we have achieved a great deal, and you should be proud of the work you have done. We have not always seen eye-to-eye. At the same time, we have had some disagreements along the way, but we have managed to remain professional, respectful to each other and also to this institution.
I would especially like to recognize the Dean of this House, the honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, who yesterday announced that he will not be seeking re-election this fall. Just so Members are aware, Robert C. McLeod was elected a year before me. A year after, I was in the bi-election, as well. I guess we were the two old-timers in this House. I know that his decision is not one that he made lightly as we saw yesterday, and I can honestly say that this place will not be the same without him here.
Colleagues, no Member of this House can remember a time when the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes was not here. For each of us, he has been a part of this institution over the years.
He has served many roles in this House. More than that, he has been a mentor to many of us, as we heard from Members' statements, I included, as well. His experience, his knowledge, and his guidance have been invaluable. Without his contributions, this House would not be the place it is today.
Colleagues, over the next few months, we will have many opportunities to say farewell, but I personally want to say thank you to the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes for his dedication, commitment to this House and wish him all the best as he prepares for another journey from public life. I would like to say masi.
Also, to his family who were here with us yesterday, our loss is your gain. Please enjoy your time with him.
Colleagues, I would also like to thank the interpreters, the Pages who have been with us for the last six weeks. Please know that your assistance and your contributions are valued and appreciated. It is a pleasure to share this Chamber with the young generation.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind our young people that the Legislative Assembly will be hosting our next Youth Parliament from May 6th to 10th of this year, 2019. This is an opportunity for grade nine and grade 10 students in the Northwest Territories to assume the role of their MLA at the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife. The deadline for applications is April 5th. It is fast approaching. You still have time to apply. For more information, please visit the Legislative Assembly website or contact our public affairs team.
Colleagues, I wish each of you safe travels to your home communities as you return to your constituencies.
I know that many of you and many of the people who you represent will be out on the land in the next few weeks, enjoying our land and taking part in various hunts and traditional activities. At the same time, there will be busy times as the committee will be travelling to different communities, as well. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful territory. Please remember to treat it well, with respect, and be safe while out on the land and also into the communities.
